Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are usually a shallow depression in free-draining soil, which allow rainwater to infiltrate gradually. They help to reduce flash flooding from impermeable surfaces and overloaded storm drains. As well as acting as a garden feature, rain gardens can act as an overflow point for water butts, stormwater planters, or be fed directly from downpipes. For best results, rain gardens should contain plants which tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, and be situated at least 5m away from buildings.

Rain Garden with Parking

A shallow, free-draining depression with plants that will tolerate the variable soil conditions. Persicaria affinis 'Superba', Ligularia dentata, Iris pseudocorus. See the Show Gardens section for more details on Wendy Allen’s RHS Gold medal-winning rain garden.

Perennial Meadow Rain Garden

Fed with water from the rear roof of the property (via a water butt), this area is free-draining and allows rainwater to soak away gradually. In dry periods supplementary watering can be used. More info on the perennial meadow seed (and maintenance notes) can be found on www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk.